"As we practice gratitude for all needs met, in spite of appearances, we cultive a deeper sense of joy." Eugene D. Holden
Mr. Holden seems to suggest that we express gratitude, even when what appears in our physical surroundings would not seem to support that. Perhaps in being a caregiver for dementia, one might think that there is not sufficient reason for gratitude; but, really, is feeling sorry for oneself a better option?! Happiness tends to depend on outside circumstances, but joy arises from within us. And joy can be cultivated. One of the ways to cultivate joy is by practicing gratitude.
I watched a TED video with my daughter recently, and a monk on the video suggested that the only appropriate response for this (or any) day is gratitude. Might our lives be better if we adopted that philosophy? I think mine might.
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